As the summer winds down and we head into September, I know that children across southern West Virginia are gearing up for the start of a new school year.  Much like students looking forward to seeing their friends and teachers again, I look forward to the start of the school year because it means I will get to see many of my youngest constituents when they visit Washington, D.C. with their schools.

There are so many interesting and educational things to do in Washington, and I encourage everyone in southern West Virginia to get the most out of their visit here.  In fact, my office can even assist you in setting up tours at some of our most cherished national monuments including, the White House, the Capitol, the National Archives, and the Bureau of Engraving & Printing.

By going to my new website, www.rahall.house.gov, you can learn all about the many historical sites that Washington has to offer. In the fall, you can walk on the National Mall and take in the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial while enjoying the fall foliage in one of the largest urban National Parks in the country.  

In the spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a great reason to come to Washington and see the cherry blossoms at the height of their beauty.  The 3,000 cherry trees that can be seen throughout the greater metropolitan area were the gift of Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo in 1912 to further cement the growing relationship between the United States and Japan.  Every year, millions of visitors flock to Washington to see these trees bloom and experience the festival that includes a parade and the crowning of a Cherry Blossom Princess from each state.

Two of the most popular things to do in Washington are to tour the White House and the Capitol.  My office will happily help you arrange these tours.  As I’m sure you understand, security procedures for these tours have changed since September 11th, but my staff will help walk you through these new procedures so that you too can walk the halls that our President and lawmakers have walked for over two hundred years.  

I recommend that you contact my office as early as possible, preferably three months or more before you plan to visit Washington.  The White House particularly requires time-sensitive security screening, and requests should be made as early as possible.

Interested individuals should contact:

Rachael Berkey
Tour Coordinator
U.S. Representative Nick Rahall
Email: rachael.berkey@mail.house.gov
Phone: (202) 225-3452